Sunday, July 10, 2011

Azzedine Alaia

When I first moved to New York I discovered the Jacqueline Schnabel run Alaia store while wandering the cobbled streets of SOHO for the first time. Decorated by her then husband, Julian, it was like a fashion oasis in the desert with wide reclaimed wood plank floors, a painting or two, minimalist pipe racks and the spare beautiful pieces by Alaia. A dream, for sure.

Jacqueline Schnabel in Vogue magazine in the 80's

Before my visit, I had read about the store in Vogue magazine back in Indiana and Jaqueline Schnabel was featured several times in the magazine always slim and chic in Alaia. Alaia became the super model uniform in the late 80's and early 90's with Naomi Campbell, Grace Jones, Stephanie Seymour and Elle McPherson all looking sleek and sexy in his designs.

Pascal Chevallier for Vogue

Kim Basinger photographed by Sheila Metzner for Vogue

Christy Turlington by Hans Feurer for Vogue

Talisa Soto by Bruce Weber for Vogue

Naomi Campbell by Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue

Grethe Holby shot by her husband Arthur Elgort for Vogue

Photos by Ellen Von Unwerth for Vogue

Photo by Sheila Metzner for Vogue

Photos by Oliviero Toscani for Vogue

Photos by Bill King for Vogue

Photos by Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue

Eventually I got my own Alaia in a re-sale shop in San Francisco - a sheer dip dyed shirt dress which I still own. And I just found a gorgeous black knit Alaia.

While perusing Style.com I came across the pictures of the Alaia fashion show- the first in 8 years- from the Paris Couture. Every single piece is stunning and perfect - the belts, the knits, the architectural shapes, the laser cuts - all the elements as they should be.